While Actions of Stratford Police Service Officer were Deemed Unnecessary in Arrest of Man, SIU Determines No Reasonable Grounds to Lay Charges

Witness Assistance

On July 3, 2017, police officers with the Stratford Police Service attended a residence to check on the well-being of a 52-year-old man who had made comments about taking his own life. The man was subsequently apprehended pursuant to the Mental Health Act. During that apprehension, the man fell to the ground, struck his head and briefly lost consciousness. He was diagnosed with a mild concussion. While critical of the actions of one of the responding officers, the Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Tony Loparco, has determined there are no reasonable grounds to lay criminal charges in relation to this incident.

The Director’s Report was delivered to the Attorney General, as is required by law under the Police Services Act. The Attorney General has directed that the document be posted online.

The SIU is an arm’s length agency that investigates reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault. Under the Police Services Act, the Director of the SIU must

consider whether an officer has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation

depending on the evidence, lay a criminal charge against the officer if appropriate or close the file without any charges being laid